I can't forget Armin too, I really enjoy his skating a lot. I do so wish Abbot could skate lights out at nationals and worlds (haven't seen that latter yet, but I still long for it); but I also wish to see Miner, Dornbush, and Armin M make the world team.....so, no matter how the cookie crumbles, I'll be missing at least two guys (oh....and yeah, I happen to really like Rippon too and I'm not even letting myself consider Weir or Evan).

But to stay on topic, I do think that Miner might be under-appreciated, but in part I think that he has been somewhat under-exposed; his first medal at senior nationals with Ricky was the first time a lot of people really saw him, and I think he got a little lost in the crowd after that. Although if I remember correctly he did medal last year too, he didn't go to worlds (right?)...so some of the momentum of being the next 'thing to watch' gets lost when you don't get to go to the next big comp. But...do I think he can medal at nationals again: yes; is he a contender for silver or gold - I think he is in that mix, so much will depend, i think, on the physical and mental status of Abbot for the top.

while we know season to season, event to event is different, Miner currently has the highest scoring international freeskate of any US man likely to compete. He's got a solid 2.5 points on Jeremy and what's more Abbott's personal best was back in the '08 Grand Prix Final. Nationals could be very interesting.

it does for most except for the selected few and I don't think Miner is Not part of that Group yet
Chanflation is of course an exception

Okay, I know this isn't about Miner, but how I loathe this argument. Denis freakin' Ten got higher PCS for a long program with five falls than a program with three falls. Fact. I've just demonstrated it. I can demonstrate it with Murakami. And Abbott. Kostner. And any number of skaters because that is the system.

Miner will win Nationals. Abbott will peak at Worlds and wins bronze. American gets three spots in men.

Okay, I know this isn't about Miner, but how I loathe this argument. Denis freakin' Ten got higher PCS for a long program with five falls than a program with three falls. Fact. I've just demonstrated it. I can demonstrate it with Murakami. And Abbott. Kostner. And any number of skaters because that is the system.

Miner will win Nationals. Abbott will peak at Worlds and wins bronze. American gets three spots in men.

I hate that (the first paragraph). I would be happy with the second paragraph!

And I did my quote thingy wrong - but as to MM and his prediction - I can see it; still would be happy with either outcome but most especially if it included Abbot getting a medal at worlds (for a well delivered program that is).